New Exhibit on the Civil War in Morgan County to open at the Morgan County Archives

The Morgan County Archives and Senator Arthur Orr will host a ribbon cutting and press conference for the new permanent exhibit, The Civil War in Morgan County, on Friday, October 24, 2014, at 10:00 am at the Morgan County Archives. The exhibit tells the remarkable stories of Morgan County and its people from the antebellum period to reconstruction, through narratives, video, photographs and artifacts, many on public display for the first time. The Archives is also the place to research all aspects of Morgan County history, with documents, manuscripts and photographs dating back to the county’s beginning in 1818.

The people of Morgan County and its principal town, Decatur, experienced a great upheaval during the period 1861-1865. The county’s residents, who began the war divided on the issue of secession, were forced to endure the vagaries and destruction of both armies. Many residents lost everything, while others gained a most precious gift, freedom.  John Allison, Morgan County archivist states that, “This exhibit gives the people of Morgan County an opportunity to learn about one of the most pivotal periods in our history. Visitors will learn how the County’s people were affected by the events in the War at large, and in turn how events have shaped the outcome of the conflict.”  

Funding and leadership for the new exhibit was provided through Senator Arthur Orr, the Alabama Department of Tourism, the Morgan County Commission and Alabama Mountains, Rivers and Valleys Resource Conservation and Development. Joel McWhorter, President of the McComm Group, developed the exhibit design and said, “What an honor to have been a part of such an impactful exhibit. It was a challenge and a pleasure to research, compile and design a presentation that tells our ancestors’ story during those trying years. We hope and trust that this exhibit is informative and meaningful to our community and its visitors.  “

The Archives is located at 624 Bank St. in historic Old Decatur. Admission is free. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and by special appointment. Call (256) 351-4726 or email Archivist John Allison at jallison@morganarchives.net for more information on programs and services offered at the archives.